Eight Months After Voter Approval, Inspector General Implementation Finally Begins

Eight months after voters approved it, the Inspector General Committee held its first meeting Tuesday to begin implementing the government watchdog position that won 64% support in November 2024.

The three-member committee, chaired by Councilmember Steven Robillard with members Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes and Councilmember Steve Hemenway, met at City Hall to begin establishing the inspector general role that will provide independent oversight of city operations.

Tuesday's brief session focused primarily on the recruitment and appointment process for the position, with the committee spending most of its time in closed session as outlined in the meeting agenda. No reportable action was taken during the closed session, according to Interim City Attorney Rebecca McKee-Reimbold.

The Inspector General position was created through Measure L, which amended the City Charter to establish an oversight role with authority to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse within city government. The position will have power to conduct audits, evaluate city operations, and provide annual reports on findings and recommendations.

The implementation comes as the city operates under a cautious $382.2 million budget adopted last month, which deferred $16.3 million in spending across various programs due to economic uncertainty. The Inspector General office is estimated to cost over $500,000 annually once fully established.

Pete Benavidez, who chaired the Charter Review Committee that recommended the inspector general and later wrote the "vote yes" statement for Measure L, attended Tuesday's meeting and expressed both surprise and satisfaction with the measure's passage.

Measure L originated from recommendations by two consecutive charter review committees beginning in 2018. Benavidez praised voters for their decision, noting that "the same voters that passed Measure L are the same ones that elected you folks to office."

The measure faced opposition during the campaign from some who questioned its cost and necessity, arguing that the city's existing Internal Audit Division already provided oversight. Some residents continue to raise concerns about the inspector general's independence, since the position serves at the pleasure of the City Council and Mayor.

"I think it's a complete conflict of interest that this Watchdog directly reports to the City Council," said Karyn Goodsite, a resident. "So if a Council member is doing unlawful things what's the incentive for the Watchdog to report them if the Council can fire them."

"I remember on November 5th of last year, election night, I was at the gym and before the night was over, Measure L passed," Benavidez said. "And I was surprised because of the opposition that I heard in my travels."

The committee's next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, at 1 p.m. in the Art Pick Council Chamber at City Hall.